Visitor Info for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree

The 2013 National Scout Jamboree will start on Monday, July 15, and run through Wednesday, July 24, 2013. That’s a little over a year away, but I’m already excited for two reasons:

It’s within easy driving distance for me, and

I’ll be serving on National Staff at it!

50,000 Scouts, Venturers, volunteers, and staff are expected to attend. The 2013 Jambo will also be the grand opening of the B

oy Scouts Of America’s fourth high adventure camp, the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve.

Beyond that, a large number of daytime visitors will drop in for a taste of Jamboree. I’ve heard a lot of here say and rumor about visitors to the 2013 Jambo. Everything from “there will be no visitors allowed this time” to “no point since there’s no merit badge midway, there’s nothing for visitors to do” and all the way to “it’s going to cost a small fortune to visit”.

Having gone through all the official documentation, here’s my efforts to clarify a few things:

Are visitors allowed at the 2013 National Jamboree?
Yes – the jamboree will be open to visitors every day, beginning Wednesday, July 17, and continuing through Tuesday, July 23, 2013.

When are visitors allowed in?
Visitation hours will be from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily, except on Sunday, when visitor hours will be 1:00pm to 10:00pm, and Tuesday, when visitor hours will be 9:00am to 4:00pm.

What will Jamboree Visitors be able to do?
The visitor program is being refereed to as “jamboree lite”. It will be a program consisting of a sampling of the activities that jamboree participants will be doing throughout jambo. Activities will include archery, shooting, BMX cycling, skateboarding, disabilities awareness, climbing, and zip lining.

How much does it cost?
Don’t know. There will be a reasonable fee, and it should be announced sometime soon. It was slated to be released in early 2012, but no word yet.

Is it cool if we just show up on any visitor day?
No – you have to preregister. Visitor preregistration will be available sometime early in 2013.

What happens when we get there to visit?
Upon arrival, visitors will be met at the parking area Welcome Center to confirm registration, then will be bused to the Summit Center.

While visiting, can I go check out anything and everything there?
No – visitors will not have access to the participants’ living and program areas.